Quick thought about my beloved Royals.
They finished the month of September 18-8, which put them overall at 75-87, a .463 winning percentage.
It looks like they will have the 10th pick in next June's amateur draft (by my calculations).
My thought is this...
Was the month of September just a fluke? Most baseball people say not to pay attention to September because teams are packing it in, playing younger players and resting their veterans.
So now, instead of getting a top 5 pick, the Royals are set for the #10 pick. Is there that big of a difference? Did they hurt themselves by playing better baseball? I don't know...
Maybe there will be less pressure to draft a "can't miss" prospect.
I do know this...I'll take the winning September.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
KSU Football
What is worse? That he got arrested or that he’s driving an El Camino?!?
K-State safety Chandler arrested
By JEFFREY MARTIN The Kansas City Star
Kansas State senior safety Gary Chandler was arrested early Sunday morning in Manhattan, Kan., and charged with driving on a revoked license and obstructing the legal process.
According to the Riley County Police Department, Chandler was stopped driving a Chevrolet El Camino with a passenger in the rear bed, which is a violation. Chandler initially gave false identification, but upon giving his real name was found to be driving on a revoked license.
Chandler, the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2007, has played in four games this season, recording 11 tackles. But he didn’t have a tackle in Saturday’s victory against Louisiana-Lafayette. He was listed as Courtney Herndon’s backup for this weekend’s Big 12 opener against Texas Tech
K-State safety Chandler arrested
By JEFFREY MARTIN The Kansas City Star
Kansas State senior safety Gary Chandler was arrested early Sunday morning in Manhattan, Kan., and charged with driving on a revoked license and obstructing the legal process.
According to the Riley County Police Department, Chandler was stopped driving a Chevrolet El Camino with a passenger in the rear bed, which is a violation. Chandler initially gave false identification, but upon giving his real name was found to be driving on a revoked license.
Chandler, the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2007, has played in four games this season, recording 11 tackles. But he didn’t have a tackle in Saturday’s victory against Louisiana-Lafayette. He was listed as Courtney Herndon’s backup for this weekend’s Big 12 opener against Texas Tech
Baseball
Please give Tori Hunter an enormous amount of credit for speaking up when other players would not.
Just this weekend I told Melynda that my next blogpost was going to be about MLB's dip in homeruns.
Seemingly, no one would talk about it.
This is a great article from the AP that says it much better than I could...
Just this weekend I told Melynda that my next blogpost was going to be about MLB's dip in homeruns.
Seemingly, no one would talk about it.
This is a great article from the AP that says it much better than I could...
Angels' Hunter says MLB's homer dip result of steroid testing
Associated PressNEW YORK -- Home runs in the major leagues dropped this year to their lowest level since 1993, and Angels center fielder Torii Hunter thinks he might know why.
"I think the steroid testing has something to do with it," he said. "If there were any guys who were taking it, they're not taking it anymore. I'd say it's a small percentage, but of course it's going to have an impact."
An average of 2.01 home runs per game were hit this year, down from 2.04 in 2007. The average hadn't dropped that low since 15 years ago, when it stood at 1.78, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The homer high of 2.34 was set in 2000, and the average stood at 2.14 in 2003, the last season before drug testing with penalties began.
Miguel Cabrera topped the American League with 37 homers, the fewest for any league champion since Fred McGriff hit 35 for San Diego to win the 1992 NL title. It was the lowest total for an AL champ since McGriff had 36 for Toronto in 1989.
"I think it's the bigger stadiums," Cabrera said.
The average was virtually the same in both leagues, but the power drop wasn't as evident among the NL leaders. Philadelphia's Ryan Howard hit 48 homers and topped the majors for the second time in three seasons.
"I think there are a lot of smaller fields in the NL and a lot of bigger fields in the AL," Hunter said. "Teams are starting to get away from trying to just swing hard and hit it out of the park. They're more about getting guys over. They're starting to come back to the way baseball has been played in the past."
With 118 runs, Boston's Dustin Pedroia had the lowest total for an AL leader in a non-shortened season since Detroit's Tony Phillips (114) in 1992.
Alex Rodriguez's .573 slugging percentage was the lowest for an AL leader since Ruben Sierra's .543 for Texas in 1989 and Josh Hamilton's 331 total bases were the fewest to top the AL in a non-shortened season since Kirby Puckett's 313 for Minnesota in 1992.
"You're not going to get cheap home runs because it doesn't seem like the ball's jumping off the bat as much," the Angels' Mark Teixeira said. "I can feel the ball being a little softer. I can feel the seams being a little raised and the leather not being as tight."
Associated PressNEW YORK -- Home runs in the major leagues dropped this year to their lowest level since 1993, and Angels center fielder Torii Hunter thinks he might know why.
"I think the steroid testing has something to do with it," he said. "If there were any guys who were taking it, they're not taking it anymore. I'd say it's a small percentage, but of course it's going to have an impact."
An average of 2.01 home runs per game were hit this year, down from 2.04 in 2007. The average hadn't dropped that low since 15 years ago, when it stood at 1.78, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The homer high of 2.34 was set in 2000, and the average stood at 2.14 in 2003, the last season before drug testing with penalties began.
Miguel Cabrera topped the American League with 37 homers, the fewest for any league champion since Fred McGriff hit 35 for San Diego to win the 1992 NL title. It was the lowest total for an AL champ since McGriff had 36 for Toronto in 1989.
"I think it's the bigger stadiums," Cabrera said.
The average was virtually the same in both leagues, but the power drop wasn't as evident among the NL leaders. Philadelphia's Ryan Howard hit 48 homers and topped the majors for the second time in three seasons.
"I think there are a lot of smaller fields in the NL and a lot of bigger fields in the AL," Hunter said. "Teams are starting to get away from trying to just swing hard and hit it out of the park. They're more about getting guys over. They're starting to come back to the way baseball has been played in the past."
With 118 runs, Boston's Dustin Pedroia had the lowest total for an AL leader in a non-shortened season since Detroit's Tony Phillips (114) in 1992.
Alex Rodriguez's .573 slugging percentage was the lowest for an AL leader since Ruben Sierra's .543 for Texas in 1989 and Josh Hamilton's 331 total bases were the fewest to top the AL in a non-shortened season since Kirby Puckett's 313 for Minnesota in 1992.
"You're not going to get cheap home runs because it doesn't seem like the ball's jumping off the bat as much," the Angels' Mark Teixeira said. "I can feel the ball being a little softer. I can feel the seams being a little raised and the leather not being as tight."
Matt Bryant
Bucs' Bryant comes through four days after death of infant son
Matt Bryant choked back tears.
A day after burying his 3-month-old son in Texas, the Tampa Bay kicker booted three field goals to help the Buccaneers beat the Green Bay Packers 30-21 on Sunday.
"I don't know what I needed today," Bryant said. "It worked out OK. Could've been better, but given the circumstances it turned out OK."
Bryant's youngest son, Matthew Tryson, was found dead at home in Tampa on Wednesday. It will be several weeks before the kicker and his wife learn the cause of death.
Bryant didn't practice all week, and coach Jon Gruden left it up to him to decide if he would play.
"The biggest thing for me, I wanted to honor Tryson's name," Bryant said. "I mean, I don't think it was very fair for his life to end so short. This is the best way I believe I could get out and honor him. I miss him and wish he was here, but he was here with me. He helped out."
Bryant kicked field goals of 23 and 36 yards in the second quarter. His 24-yarder, with 2:26 to go, finished a six-minute drive and put the Bucs ahead for good, 23-21.
"Today was his day," Bryant said. "It was all about Tryson for me. I talked with him, personally, in my head throughout the game. I just wanted to remind him that he's my baby boy and that he's with me all the time."
The Bucs awarded a game ball to Bryant, who has rebounded from a subpar preseason to play an important role in two of Tampa Bay's three victories. He kicked a winning field goal in overtime last week at Chicago.
"If you really knew Matt, this really puts a human touch on everything that is going on in the football world," Gruden said. "This was an unexpected situation. This family is in total shock, and he flew back after a funeral to make the game-winning kick."
Punter Josh Bidwell is Bryant's best friend on the team.
"He's proving right now, more than ever, that he's one of the best in the business. Regardless of his preseason and the struggles that he went through, this is who he is -- he's a gamer," Bidwell said.
"And he came out here and did his job for us, and I think it was therapeutic because he knew we were going to play hard for him. That was the message given to him, even when we were down, that we were going to get this done for you."
Matt Bryant choked back tears.
A day after burying his 3-month-old son in Texas, the Tampa Bay kicker booted three field goals to help the Buccaneers beat the Green Bay Packers 30-21 on Sunday.
"I don't know what I needed today," Bryant said. "It worked out OK. Could've been better, but given the circumstances it turned out OK."
Bryant's youngest son, Matthew Tryson, was found dead at home in Tampa on Wednesday. It will be several weeks before the kicker and his wife learn the cause of death.
Bryant didn't practice all week, and coach Jon Gruden left it up to him to decide if he would play.
"The biggest thing for me, I wanted to honor Tryson's name," Bryant said. "I mean, I don't think it was very fair for his life to end so short. This is the best way I believe I could get out and honor him. I miss him and wish he was here, but he was here with me. He helped out."
Bryant kicked field goals of 23 and 36 yards in the second quarter. His 24-yarder, with 2:26 to go, finished a six-minute drive and put the Bucs ahead for good, 23-21.
"Today was his day," Bryant said. "It was all about Tryson for me. I talked with him, personally, in my head throughout the game. I just wanted to remind him that he's my baby boy and that he's with me all the time."
The Bucs awarded a game ball to Bryant, who has rebounded from a subpar preseason to play an important role in two of Tampa Bay's three victories. He kicked a winning field goal in overtime last week at Chicago.
"If you really knew Matt, this really puts a human touch on everything that is going on in the football world," Gruden said. "This was an unexpected situation. This family is in total shock, and he flew back after a funeral to make the game-winning kick."
Punter Josh Bidwell is Bryant's best friend on the team.
"He's proving right now, more than ever, that he's one of the best in the business. Regardless of his preseason and the struggles that he went through, this is who he is -- he's a gamer," Bidwell said.
"And he came out here and did his job for us, and I think it was therapeutic because he knew we were going to play hard for him. That was the message given to him, even when we were down, that we were going to get this done for you."
Wal-Mart
There is a chance most of you have already seen this. My brother forwarded this to me...I enjoyed it.
This is why women should not take men shopping against their will.
After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Wal-mart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out.
Equally unfortunately, my wife is like most women... she loved to browse. Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Wal-Mart.
Dear Mrs. Samsel,
Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Samsel are listed belowand are documented by our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2 . July 2 : Set all the alarm clocks in House wares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floorleading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. Octob er 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled, 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed. 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least,
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! there's no toilet paper in here.'
Regards,
Tom Richards
Walmart Manager
This is why women should not take men shopping against their will.
After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Wal-mart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out.
Equally unfortunately, my wife is like most women... she loved to browse. Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Wal-Mart.
Dear Mrs. Samsel,
Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Samsel are listed belowand are documented by our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2 . July 2 : Set all the alarm clocks in House wares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floorleading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. Octob er 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled, 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed. 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least,
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! there's no toilet paper in here.'
Regards,
Tom Richards
Walmart Manager
Friday, September 26, 2008
Engagement pictures
Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as we enjoyed taking them!
http://jnelsonphoto.com/photolife/chris-melyndas-kansas-city-engagement
Chris
http://jnelsonphoto.com/photolife/chris-melyndas-kansas-city-engagement
Chris
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Time with Deane
One of the great things about working for such an established program is the ability to meet and associate with a ton of people. Since one of our players is being heavily recruited, it's been a revolving door of collegiate coaches at Liberty High School.
Most recently Mike Deane, Head Coach at Wagner University, stopped by.
Coach Deane is unlike any other person that I have ever been around. I very much enjoyed our three hours together.
What I realized about Coach Deane is a quality that I wish more people possessed. Humility. Coach has spent 23 years in Division 1 basketball and his Rolodex is probably similar to my "idols" list. Coach Deane and three of us at Liberty went out for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and he shared some awesome stories and amazing laughs. Coach treated us with amazing respect, as if we were friends.
Although I probably won't use his vocabulary, I certainly will use his humility.
Most recently Mike Deane, Head Coach at Wagner University, stopped by.
Coach Deane is unlike any other person that I have ever been around. I very much enjoyed our three hours together.
What I realized about Coach Deane is a quality that I wish more people possessed. Humility. Coach has spent 23 years in Division 1 basketball and his Rolodex is probably similar to my "idols" list. Coach Deane and three of us at Liberty went out for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and he shared some awesome stories and amazing laughs. Coach treated us with amazing respect, as if we were friends.
Although I probably won't use his vocabulary, I certainly will use his humility.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Prince and KSU
I don't feel like it's appropriate to "blast" someone in the form of email/blog. I think it can be dangerous. Having said that...My alma matter has some serious issues within their football program and they start from the top.
In 2006, Ron Prince was hired to replace coaching legend Bill Snyder. In Prince's defense, the only person who could adequately replace Snyder might have been Vince Lombardi.
Former KSU AD Tim Weiser went out of his way to "make a splash" when he hired the former Virginia Offensive Coordinator. There were numerous reports of who were actual candidates. Leavitt, Venables, etc...
After the initial shock of the hire I thought to myself, "KSU is a unique job, maybe this is the right guy". I checked the internet pages and newspapers every single day so that I could see what Prince's first move was. Then came the announcement that Tim McCarty was going to be "Assistant Head Coach". Immediately I went to McCarty's bio. McCarty came from being the head coach at East Central Oklahoma. Ok, well, maybe he has another connection to big time athletics. "McCarty turned Tabor College into a NAIA power". Hmmm, well, if this is your #1 guy, I would think he would have more experience at the highest level. Then I realized that McCarty coached Prince at Dodge City Community College. No, not as the Head Coach, as an assistant.
So let me get this straight. A guy who has NEVER been a Head Coach, Prince, hired a guy, McCarty, who was an assistant in Junior College, a Head Coach in NAIA and a Head Coach in Ada, OK.
Perhaps the reason McCarty was hired was so Prince wouldn't feel threatened by someone who is more competent? How else can you explain the outmatched staff at Kansas State? How else can you explain so much staff turnover? Perhaps he is difficult to work for?
Just for a point of reference, some of Bill Snyder's past assistants, Bob Stoops, Jim Leavitt, Mark Mangino, all coach at BCS conference schools. They said that Snyder was extremely tough to work for. Everyone knows about the hours and detailed preparation stories that follow Snyder. All three of those former KSU assistants are powering Top 25 programs in NCAA D-1. Not Ada, Oklahoma.
Then I noticed the next change of the football program. The "image". A new website, inside.kstatesports.com. A change in the uniforms. A dinner to talk about upcoming recruits. Preference as to what kind of food is served in the stadium. Decals on the back of the helmets. The walk into the stadium.
Then, perhaps the thing that struck the biggest chord with me. Prince fired longtime equipment manager of 28 years, "Shorty" so he could bring in his own guy. You know the worst part about it? Prince responded to booster's criticism with a 5 page email. (I'm trying to figure out how to attach it. If you want it, send me a comment/email, and I'll send it to you) Is he that sensitive to criticism? Shouldn't you be preparing your football team, not writing a thesis to a booster?
In 2006, Ron Prince was hired to replace coaching legend Bill Snyder. In Prince's defense, the only person who could adequately replace Snyder might have been Vince Lombardi.
Former KSU AD Tim Weiser went out of his way to "make a splash" when he hired the former Virginia Offensive Coordinator. There were numerous reports of who were actual candidates. Leavitt, Venables, etc...
After the initial shock of the hire I thought to myself, "KSU is a unique job, maybe this is the right guy". I checked the internet pages and newspapers every single day so that I could see what Prince's first move was. Then came the announcement that Tim McCarty was going to be "Assistant Head Coach". Immediately I went to McCarty's bio. McCarty came from being the head coach at East Central Oklahoma. Ok, well, maybe he has another connection to big time athletics. "McCarty turned Tabor College into a NAIA power". Hmmm, well, if this is your #1 guy, I would think he would have more experience at the highest level. Then I realized that McCarty coached Prince at Dodge City Community College. No, not as the Head Coach, as an assistant.
So let me get this straight. A guy who has NEVER been a Head Coach, Prince, hired a guy, McCarty, who was an assistant in Junior College, a Head Coach in NAIA and a Head Coach in Ada, OK.
Perhaps the reason McCarty was hired was so Prince wouldn't feel threatened by someone who is more competent? How else can you explain the outmatched staff at Kansas State? How else can you explain so much staff turnover? Perhaps he is difficult to work for?
Just for a point of reference, some of Bill Snyder's past assistants, Bob Stoops, Jim Leavitt, Mark Mangino, all coach at BCS conference schools. They said that Snyder was extremely tough to work for. Everyone knows about the hours and detailed preparation stories that follow Snyder. All three of those former KSU assistants are powering Top 25 programs in NCAA D-1. Not Ada, Oklahoma.
Then I noticed the next change of the football program. The "image". A new website, inside.kstatesports.com. A change in the uniforms. A dinner to talk about upcoming recruits. Preference as to what kind of food is served in the stadium. Decals on the back of the helmets. The walk into the stadium.
Then, perhaps the thing that struck the biggest chord with me. Prince fired longtime equipment manager of 28 years, "Shorty" so he could bring in his own guy. You know the worst part about it? Prince responded to booster's criticism with a 5 page email. (I'm trying to figure out how to attach it. If you want it, send me a comment/email, and I'll send it to you) Is he that sensitive to criticism? Shouldn't you be preparing your football team, not writing a thesis to a booster?
I have heard that upon return from the Louisville game, Prince made his team condition from 3am-4:30am. This is the same guy who makes his own Coaches run. If he demands accountability from his players and coaches, what kind of accountability does he demand upon himself?
The bottom line is KSU doesn't have Snyder nor do they have Lombardi. They have a Prince, in name only.
Sporting News
Melynda was so kind to point out a great resource for Sports News. The Sporting News Today, issues a digital newspaper everyday.
They do a terrific job getting wide ranging articles.
Check it out at : sportingnewstoday.com
They do a terrific job getting wide ranging articles.
Check it out at : sportingnewstoday.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Is anyone out there...?
I've officially screwed up on "The Press Conference". I havent posted in such a long time that my "website hits" have probably gone from 4 to 0.
I will begin updating soon. I promise!
I will begin updating soon. I promise!
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